23rd May, 2016
Metuh was arraigned by the EFCC on charges bordering on allegations of diverting N400 million funds meant for fighting insurgency in the North-East from the former National Security Adviser retired Col. Sambo Dasuki.
He pleaded not guilty to the charge.
Justice Okon Abang, adjourned ruling in the matter to enable him acquaint himself with the relevant sections of the law regarding the release of the applicant’s passport.
At the resumed hearing of the case, Metuh’s Counsel, Mr Onyeachi Ikpeazu (SAN), told the court that he filed a motion for the release of his client’s international passport.
Ikpeazu argued that the applicant`s health conditions had deteriorated and need urgent medical care abroad.
He, therefore, urged the court to exercise its jurisdiction and vary the bail condition by releasing the applicant`s passport.
The defence lawyer also informed the court that he obtained a copy of medical report from the National Hospital, Abuja, which recommended the applicant to travel to London Hospital.
Opposing the application, the EFCC counsel Mr Sylvanus Tahir, said that the defence must be specific in their application.
Tahir argued that the court must take cognizance of whether varying the order could not contravened the earlier order of the court which retained the applicant`s passport.
He also said that the medical report tendered by the defence ought to be certified since it was a document coming from public institution.
The EFCC counsel also argued that the document did not suggest that the ailment could not be treated in Nigeria.
He, therefore, urged the court to refused the application, saying that there was no credible evidence to warrant the grant of the application.
The judge however adjourned ruling in the application till May 25